WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2002 – Broadaway Ham Co., a Jonesboro, Ark. firm, is
voluntarily recalling approximately 2,200 pounds of cooked boneless hams
that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S.
Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service announced
today.
The products subject to recall are 12-13 lb.,
cryovac-sealed, packages of "CROWLEY RIDGE BRAND B-B-Q SEASONED COOKED FRESH
HAM." Each ham is shipped individually in a box marked with a production
date of "08-08-02." Each package label also bears the establishment code
"EST. 13035" inside the USDA seal of inspection.
The hams were produced on Aug. 8 and distributed
to wholesale grocers for resale to delicatessens in Arkansas, Missouri and
Tennessee.
"Because of the potential for foodborne illness,
we want consumers to be aware of the recall," said William J. Hudnall,
acting FSIS administrator. "Consumers may wish to ask at their deli counters
whether ham they have purchased is included in the recall."
The problem was discovered through routine FSIS
microbiological sampling.
Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria
monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal
disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis
can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea.
Listeriosis can also cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in those
with weakened immune systems – such as infants, pregnant women, the frail or
elderly, persons with chronic disease, those with HIV infection, or patients
undergoing chemotherapy.
FSIS has received no reports of illnesses
associated with consumption of this product. Anyone concerned about an
illness should contact a physician.
Consumers and media with questions about the
recall may contact Bruce Broadaway, company president, at (870) 932-6688.
Consumers with food safety questions can phone
the toll-free USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline at 1-800-535-4555. The hotline
is available in English and Spanish and can be reached from 10 a.m. to 4
p.m. (Eastern Time) Monday through Friday. Recorded food safety messages are
available 24 hours a day.
#
NOTE: Access news releases and other information at the FSIS Web site at http://www.fsis.usda.gov |